U’S TO FACE POSH IN TURNER TRIBUTE MATCH

16 June 2015

Tom Stewart

Cambridge United to play pre-season friendly against Peterborough United

Cambridge United will face rivals Peterborough United on Saturday 1st August in their final pre-season fixture ahead of the 2015/16 season, as both sides honour the life of legendary player and manager Chris Turner.

Kicking off at 3pm at London Road, Richard Money will give his side one final run out before the beginning 2015/16 Sky Bet League Two campaign, in a fixture that is sure to provide a tough challenge.

As well as marking an end to both sides’ pre-season schedules, the match is set to celebrate the life of former Cambridge United and Peterborough United great Chris Turner, who sadly passed away in April.

Beginning his playing career with the Posh in 1969, Turner a defender in the classic mould went on to make 317 appearances scoring 37 goals at London Road until departing nine years later.

His first spell with the U’s came in 1979, playing 19 times before moving on to brief spells with American League side New England Tea Men and Swindon Town, and then returning to the Abbey Stadium for a further three seasons.

Such was his impact during his time as a player with the U’s that upon his retirement from playing in 1984 with Southend, Cambridge United moved fast to secure his services as manager a year later.

A five year stint at the helm saw him lay the foundations for the now famous John Beck side which achieved double promotion to the second division, a team many consider to be the greatest Amber and Black outfit of all time.

Following his departure from the Abbey Stadium, a season in charge of the Posh ensured Turner brought his football career full circle.

His funeral last month was attended by a host of fellow Cambridge United and Peterborough United stars, each and every one paying their respects to perhaps the most iconic and influential figure for both Football League clubs in Cambridgeshire.

A number of players that had previously worked with, or under Turner have been invited to the fixture in August, as both clubs come together to show their admiration for the great man.

Cambridge United Chairman Dave Doggett, talked about his hopes for the game: “Chris was one of those rare breed of people who have played for and managed both Cambridge United and Peterborough.

“The game is a chance for both sets of supporters to pay their respects and thank him for what he did for the two clubs, and we are looking forward to taking our team and supporters over to London Road.

“In terms of what he achieved for Cambridge United, he signed many of the players that formed one of our most successful teams.

“He loved by both clubs, was equally adored by many people and we look forward to the occasion doing his memory justice.

Tickets for the game will be available from the club ticket office very soon, and will be priced as follows:

Adults - £10

Under 18’s - £5

The 2015/16 Pre-Season Schedule:

11th July – St Neots – Away – 3pm

14th July – Lowestoft – Away – 7.45pm

17th July – Norwich City – Home – 7.30pm

21st July - Ipswich Town – Home - 7.45pm

24th July -Concord – Away – 7.45pm

25th July – Bromley – Away – 3pm

28th July – Coventry City – Home – 7.45pm

1st August – Peterborough – Away – 3pm

Click here to buy tickets online for the U’s three pre-season fixtures against Norwich, Ipswich and Coventry.